NEW CHALLENGE - reserve team boss Brian McDermott

READING'S second string will be invited into the Premier Reserve League in two seasons' time where they will face Premiership giants on a weekly basis.

And the Evening Post also understands that the FA Premier Academy Leagues are set to be restructured in a bid to help younger players develop quicker.

Brian McDermott's reserve side are currently playing in the Avon Insurance Combination League against clubs of the calibre of Wycombe, Leyton Orient, Barnet and Bournemouth.

But because Reading boast an Academy they will almost certainly be elevated into the Premier Reserve League where they will compete against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham for the start of the 2004/05 season.

Nationwide League clubs who enjoy Academy status have been lobbying the Premier League for a while in a bid to join the country's top sides and they should get their wish in the next couple of years.

But the biggest change will be to the Academy Leagues.

Reading are one of 38 Academies across the country, and at the top of the age groups, clubs run both Under-19s and Under-17s sides.

However, that is set to change next season with those two age groups being scrapped and replaced by an Under-16s and an Under-18s league.

It is designed to give players more experience at a younger age and allow players over the age of 18 to play senior football against top sides.

Meanwhile, Adie Whitbread was due to take another step towards full fitness today in Reading reserves' clash at Barnet (2pm).

Also set to play was Ricky Newman, who is now suspended for Saturday's visit of Watford after last weeks match at Sheffield United was postponed.

Club captain Phil Parkinson, though, will be missing as he is receiving treatment on a slight knee injury sustained in the win over Oxford in a friendly a couple of weeks ago.

The midfielder could be back in contention for next Wednesday's Avon Insurance Combination League trip to Bristol Rovers.

He said: "It is nothing serious. I just got a knock against Oxford.

"I have rested it over the last couple of weeks and I am now doing some strengthening work."

Parky has started just one first-team game this season and is almost certain to be offered a coaching contract at the end of this season once manager Alan Pardew's future has been sorted out.